The Botanist Gin is a Hebridean deal with from Islay, an island within the Interior Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland. It’s a really spectacular gin, with 22 (actually!) regionally hand-foraged botanicals working alongside some core ones. Bottled at a punchy 46%, our assessment of The Botanist Gin finds a contemporary, clear and superbly balanced gin distilled with contemporary Islay spring water. It’s a premium gin that’s priced attractively, and offered in a bottle that makes an ideal addition to any gin shelf.
These 22 hand-foraged botanical are positioned in a botanical basket for the primary distillation, which itself solely takes place after an in a single day maceration of the 9 core botanicals. It is a gin that’s been made with actual satisfaction, effort and ability by the distillers. And, as an apart, it’s truly made by the identical distillery as Bruichladdich whisky, which is a stunning dram…
So what are the 22 hand-foraged botanicals you ask? Nicely, deep breath: apple mint, chamomile, creeping thistle, downy birch, elder, gorse, hawthorn, heather, juniper, woman’s bedstraw, lemon balm, meadowsweet, mugwort, purple clover, spearmint, candy cicely, bathroom myrtle, tansy, water mint, white clover, wild thyme, wooden sage.
A number of of these may properly resonate with you in the event you take an curiosity within the botanicals in your gin. Actually bathroom myrtle and chamomile, for instance, is likely to be acquainted. Most of the checklist, nevertheless, are prone to be new names. It’s incredible to see a distillery take inspiration from the character that surrounds them. It’s additionally the place the title comes from; a transparent nod to the botanical inspirations behind this gin.
The Botanist Gin assessment
On opening the bottle, you’re confronted by a pleasant aroma. I’ve had The Botanist many occasions earlier than, nevertheless it’s not one thing I’ll ever tire of. There’s a pleasant hit of juniper, and the citrus peel from the core botanicals additionally makes an early displaying. That heady and floral botanical combine can be there although; there’s a stunning subtlty and clear high quality on the nostril.
To style, there’s an earthier high quality that additionally comes by on this gin. The heat of the cinnamon and coriander lay a stable basis alongside the juniper for these lighter botanicals. The citrus continues to be there within the background too. With 22 hand-foraged botanicals it would at all times be fairly tough to select them out individually (and the individuality of some them would compound that), however hats off to the distillers right here; The Botanist Gin is a triumph of stability.
serve The Botanist Gin
One of the best serve for The Botanist Gin? It is a versatile gin, and one which you can use as a base for cocktails. It’s additionally very properly crafted, and balanced as we observe above. It due to this fact makes for an ideal drink over ice, and it already options on our checklist of favorite gins which are good to drink neat.
Garnish-wise, we actually favored serving The Botanist with grapefruit. The marginally acidic nature of the grapefruit actually contrasts properly with the floral botanicals. It’s a gin that will work properly with any citrus garnish although. And the identical goes for a extra floral garnish too. I wouldn’t be afraid to experiment with something like cucumber, mint, thyme, chamomile, or slices of apple; all of them would complement these beautiful foraged botanicals. A Botanist and Tonic, over ice with any of these garnishes, is a chic serve. The extra radical in us may even attempt The Botanist with ginger ale; it really is flexible.
General, I might totally suggest you attempt The Botanist Gin in the event you haven’t already. It’s a gin that’s pleased with its island residence and its heritage, and all that these can supply, and that satisfaction shines by in a top quality drink.
The Botanist Gin Planter Reward Set
Now, for many of the critiques on this web site I usually characteristic a picture that I’ve taken of the bottle. Nonetheless, for this one, I’ve opted for an image of The Botanist Gin Planter Reward Set. I used to be very kindly despatched one by the group at The Botanist, and I believe it makes for a incredible reward.
The reward set contains a 70cl bottle and, as you’ll be able to see, it is available in a tin planter adorned with the identical Latin botanical names that may be discovered on the bottle. The thought is that you just fill the tin with soil and get planting! You may develop your individual herbs, garnishes (what else!), or no matter you fancy. The reward pack additionally contains foraged cocktail recipes, some seeds and garnish inspirations. It’s an ideal, sustainable reward.
The pack itself retails for about £45, however do store round. For instance, you should buy it right here from The Botanist Gin’s personal web site, or from Amazon beneath.
The place to purchase The Botanist Gin
Within the UK, you’ll be able to purchase The Botanist from Amazon by clicking right here, or by way of the hyperlink beneath. You may also nevertheless it direct from The Botanist web site right here, in lots of bottle sizes. Take a look at their different presents too, similar to highball glass tumblers, stainless-steel straws and aprons.
For reader within the US and Canada, the excellent news is you could purchase The Botanist from Drizly by clicking right here.
Disclosure
I consider in full disclosure and, as famous within the article above, I used to be gifted The Botanist Reward Planter Reward pack. No different remuneration was acquired. I solely characteristic gins and presents on this web site that I might be completely happy to suggest. That is definitely the case with The Botanist Gin.
Cheers! Andy, Founder, whichgin.com
